PbS colloidal quantum dot photovoltaics: progress towards infrared and flexible applications

PbS colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are a promising material class for near-infrared optoelectronics. The colloidal synthesis and fabrication pathways are readily scalable and compatible with a range of other materials and processes, and by controlling the size of the CQDs, the optical properties can be tuned over a wide spectral range in the visible and near-infrared (IR). This review article summarizes recent trends and advances in using PbS CQD devices for energy and photovoltaic applications. This article also provides discussion on trends in CQD research, synthesis methods, device architectures, and recent and future applications of these materials. Additionally, it describes challenges in commercialization and adoption of CQD based photovoltaics, strategies to overcome them, and perspective of the role that PbS CQDs will play in the future energy landscape.